Ashwani Khurana, Founder & CEO of Karma Lakelands, is a pioneer in combining luxury with sustainability. Inspired by his close friendship with Padma Shree Awardee Nek Chand, Khurana developed a deep passion for environmental preservation. This passion led to the creation of Karma Lakelands, an eco-friendly resort that champions renewable energy, water conservation, and afforestation. Today, it stands as a model for responsible luxury, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality while enhancing guest experiences.
Can you share the inspiration behind the sustainability initiatives at Karma Lakelands? What motivated you to integrate these principles into the development of Karma Lakelands?
In 1979-80, I had a chance encounter with Padma Shree Awardee Nek Chand, the master creator of Rock Garden, Chandigarh. As destiny would have it, we continued to interact, and our relationship blossomed into a deep friendship. Nek Chand inspired me to develop a keen interest in tree planting, and over the years, this interest evolved into a passion for promoting responsible environmental practices. He infused the passion of growing trees into me & this led to the acquisition of land which was the boondocks years ago is today’s bustling sector 80 of Gurgaon. The inspiration behind the sustainability initiatives at Karma Lakelands comes from a deep-rooted belief in living in harmony with nature. I’ve always been passionate about preserving the environment, and Karma Lakelands was born from the desire to create a space where luxury and eco-consciousness coexist.
From water conservation to organic farming, every initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability. I believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to the planet, and Karma Lakelands is our way of promoting green living, educating others, and making a difference. My hope is that it serves as a model for future developments, showing that it’s possible to thrive while being mindful of our natural resources.
How does Karma Lakelands balance luxury hospitality with its commitment to environmental sustainability?
At Karma Lakelands, our vision is to seamlessly blend luxury with sustainability. We believe high-end hospitality can enhance rather than harm the environment. By incorporating eco-conscious practices—such as renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and waste management—we minimise our carbon footprint. Guests can enjoy luxurious surroundings while reconnecting with nature in a sustainable ecosystem, exemplified by our water-efficient golf course and over 2 lakh trees planted to support biodiversity. Our goal is to offer an experience where luxury and environmental preservation coexist harmoniously.
What challenges have you faced while executing your sustainability initiatives, especially in the hospitality industry?
Implementing sustainable practices in hospitality faces several challenges. Resistance to shifting from traditional methods and the need for extensive training can also be barriers. Balancing luxury with sustainability requires innovation, as guests expect comfort that should not conflict with environmental goals. Sourcing sustainable products is difficult and expensive.
How do you measure the success and impact of sustainability efforts that could focus on a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics?
We monitor our waste reduction and recycling efforts by tracking how much waste is diverted from landfills through recycling and composting, including a focus on reducing single-use products & not just plastics. Our aim is that nothing should go into landfills via the municipal waste management system. So, Guests and employee engagement is crucial; we evaluate feedback and participation in eco-friendly programs, along with employee training alignment with sustainability goals.
Karma Lakelands, in alignment with the Paris Agreement and national goals of net zero, took a voluntary, comprehensive assessment of its carbon footprint across energy, wastewater, and forestry sectors for the past five years. The resort aims to achieve carbon neutrality within the next four years by setting ambitious sustainability targets. Led by Group Captain (Prof) SN Mishra, visiting professor at TERI School of Advanced Studies and a leading climate change consultant, along with climate interns Mr. Manohar Naik and Mr. Sidharth Jain, the carbon audit and sustainability practices culminated in the report “Karma Lakelands: Accelerating Net Zero Pathways and Sustainability,” unveiled during the “Future Green Leaders Meet-2024” at Karma Lakelands on September 27, 2024. Key milestones included meeting 20% of energy needs through solar power, achieving a 30% carbon sink through a forest of over 200,000 trees, and enhancing the soil’s carbon-sequestering capabilities. These initiatives have also bolstered business growth, with a 59% revenue increase, driven by higher villa sales and guest stays. Karma Lakelands is set to further expand its solar capacity, enhance energy efficiency, and increase forest cover, while actively promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship as part of its journey toward net-zero emissions.
What advice would you give to other luxury properties or businesses looking to implement sustainable practices without compromising on quality?
Implement impactful changes to enhance guest experience and sustainability, like energy-efficient lighting and zero waste policies leading to long-term environmental and cost benefits. Incorporate green technologies discreetly and educate guests on eco-conscious practices. Collaborate with like-minded suppliers, maintain transparency in sustainability efforts, and engage staff in conveying your vision. Adopt a long-term view of sustainability as an investment, fostering innovation to enhance luxury experiences while reinforcing your brand’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility. We should aim to minimise our environmental footprint while offering our guests a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.